Enviromena Power Systems, a UAE-based solar PV integrator, today announced the launch of its first regional office outside of the UAE in Jordan.

The country is investing in wind, solar and nuclear in an effort to reduce fossil fuel imports and become energy independent. The Government has set a target to obtain 600 MW of power from solar by 2020.

Enviromena says it is investing in Jordan in response to the country’s alternative energy initiatives and regulatory frameworks, and the proactive drive the government is making to reduce its dependence on imported energy products.

Sami Khoreibi, CEO of Enviromena, said: “We decided to open up an office in Jordan to demonstrate our commitment to building up solar capacity in a country poised for significant expansion in renewable energy. Not only is Jordan a country with one of the world’s highest solar irradiation, but it is also led by favourable government policy towards energy.

“Demand for electricity is growing rapidly and power developers have recently signed twelve power purchase agreements totalling 200 MW of solar PV in Jordan. These projects represent the first step in the private development of solar projects in the region. Our new presence in Jordan underlines our commitment to the country and its energy aspirations.”

Under Jordan’s 2007-2020 energy strategy, the Jordanian Government established a renewable energy target equivalent to 7% of the energy mix by 2015 and 10% by 2020. .

Erik Voldner, Executive Director of Operations, commented: “The average cost to produce conventional energy in Jordan is JOD 0.127 per kWh, according to NEPCO reports. Energy produced by solar photovoltaic power plants is significantly cheaper than this so there is a very compelling economic case for the rollout of solar that the government is undertaking.”